Remotely-controlled dictationrecording systems



R. KOBLER April 9, 1957 REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION-RECORDING SYSTEMS l I l INVENTOR Rickard Kobler /@7 6 490 I I h 1101/ w I I 4 9c i I United States Patent REMOTELY-CONTROLLED DICTATION- RECORDING SYSTEMS Richard Kobler, New York, N. Y., assignor, by mesne assignments, to McGraw-Edison Company, Elgin, 111., a corporation ofDelaware Application August 28, 1953, Serial No. 377,095

Claims. (Cl. 179-1001) This invention relates to dictation-recording systems which are controlled and operated from one or more dictators stations remote from the dictating machine, and relates especially to novel features and improvements in and on dictation-recording systems of the type described in my pending application Serial No. 204,794, filed January 6, 1951, now Patent 2,650,951, dated September 1, 1953, and the Somers et al. application Serial No. 247,244, filed September 19, 1951, now Patent No. 2,757,238, dated July 31, 1956, both of which have a common assignee with the present application.

The type of dictation-recording system here referred to employs typically a plurality of dictators stations and only a single dictating machine with means to warn the attendant or secretary to change the record whenever a dictator de-activates the system from his station after having recorded into an end zone on the record contain ing at least a sufficient space for a normal or average dictation period. The term dictation period, as herein used, refers to the respective time periods dictators hold the system for their own use, and is defined typically by the time elapsing between the instant each dictator picks up his handset or recording microphone and the instant he returns the handset onto its support. It is found that in certain major classes of use of dictating machines, such as in hospitals, not only are calls for a dictating machine fairly evenly distributed throughout the day but also there is considerable uniformity in the length of dictation periods of the respective users. On the average, each dictator requires about four minutes recordation time on the record for each dictation period. Thus, typically, the minimum end zone above referred to is that end space on the record which is scanned by the translating device in about four minutes of total or integrated operation of the dictating machine. By apprising the attendant to change the record whenever a dictation period ends in the end zone, each subsequent dictator is assured of having available sufficient uninterrupted record space for at least a normal or average dictation period notwithstanding that only one dictating machine is employed in the recording system. The control adjunct for signalling the attendant as above explained comprises typically a switch -'-herein referred to as the intermediate end switchwhich is operated by the relative movement between the translating device and cooperating record as the translating device passes a scanning point on the record marking the beginning of the end zone. However, this switch only prepares the warning means or circuit for operation since operation is not effected until another control or switch is actuated responsive to the act of terminating a dictation period.

A feature of the present invention resides in providing 'a timing switch which for some purposes replaces the intermediate end switch and for other purposes supplements the same to produce new and useful control functions in connection with the present type of remotely- :controlled dictation-recording system.

Another feature of the invention is in utilizing the intermediate end switch and/or timing switch not only 2,788,395 Patented Ap 9, 1957 ice 2 to control the attendants warning signal but also for shutting off the machine under prescribed conditions.

An object of the invention is to provide supplementary controls and apparatus for remotely-controlled dictationrecording systems of the character described, which can be utilized selectively to apprise the attendant or secretary to transcribe the recorded matter at regular intervals or at the conclusion of each dictation period, and which can be preset to exercise control over the machine during use thereof after normal working hours while the machine is unattended.

Another object of the invention is to provide a control adjunct for remotely-controlled dictation-recording systems of the character described, which is adapted to apprise the attendant or secretary to change the record and/or transcribe the dictated matter on the record at the termination of a dictation period following elapse of a preset time interval since the last change of record on the machine.

Another object is to provide such control adjunct which can be set to apprise the attendant or secretary to change the record and to transcribe the recorded matter at the conclusion of each dictation period regardless of whether-or not the recording has proceeded into the end zone or the time expired since the last record change.

Another object is to provide a control adjunct for remotely-controlled dictation-recording machines of the character described, which is adapted for use after normal working hours for shutting off the power to the machine on termination of a dictation period in the end zone or on termination of a dictation period after a preset time, whichever is the first to occur.

Another object is to provide a unitary control adjunct selectively conditiona'ble for fulfilling any one of the aforestated objects.

These and other objects and features of my invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

In the description of my invention reference is had to the accompanying schematic drawing showing aremotelycontrolled dictation-recording system incorporating my invention.

A remotely-controlled dictation-recording system of the type above referred to comprises a home or attendants station 10 and one or more remote dictators stations of which three are indicated as 11a, 11b and 110. At the attendants station there is a dictating machine 12 fractionally shown as comprising a turntable 13 carrying a disc record R and mounted for rotation about 'a vertical axis, a motor 14 for driving the turntable through a clutch 15 and friction drive wheel 16, a carriage 17 mounted as on a support rod 18 for traveling movement across the record, a lead screw 19 actuated through beveled gearing 20 by the turntable and engaged by a feed nut 21 on the carriage for effecting the traveling movement of the carriage as the turntable is rotated, recording and reproducing type translating devices 22 and 23 on the carriage with the reproducer typically spaced back of the recorder with respect to the direction of travel of the carriage, and a record-reproduce control lever 24 on the carriage operable through regular mechanism (not shown) to raise both translating devices from the record as when a record is to be changed on the turntable and to lower them both or selectively onto the record as desired.

The dictating machine is provided further with a communication circuit 25 which serially includes the primary of an audio transformer 26, the secondary of which is connectable by a double-pole double-throw switch 27 either to a circuit 28 leading to the recording device 22 or to a circuit 29 leading from the reproducing device 23. For simplification of description, separate amplifiers 30 and 31 are shown for recording and for reproducing, which are connected respectively in the lines 28 and 29.

The communication circuit 25 is utilized also as a control circuit and includes therefore two serially-connected relays 32 and 33. Audio currents are by-passed past these relays by a by-pass condenser 34. As will further appear, the microphones at the dictators stations are preferably of the carbon button variety requiring energization by direct current. This direct current is supplied by a rectifier and filter 35 powered through master switch 36 by a source of alternating current represented by terminals 37. This direct current is utilized also to operate the control relays 32 and 33. The relays have different current sensitivity so that the relay 32 will operate at a selected subnormal current (it having the greater sensitivity), and both relays will operate at a normal current, the current levels being controlled at the dictators stations as will appear. The relay 32 comprises a normally open switch 38 connected in the power circuit 39 leading from the A.-C. source 37 to the motor 14. to cause the motor to run when the relay 32 is operated. The second relay or electromagnet 33, which is operated at the higher current level, controls the clutch through a coupling 40 diagrammatically shown. These relays may perform other functions, some of which are hereinafter described. For the immediate purpose, it will be understood that the motor 14 is started when the aforesaid subnormal direct current is established in the communication circuit and that the clutch 15 is closed to start record rotation when the normal direct current is established. An energization of the communication circuit at the subnormal current level, with a resultant starting of the motor and/or conditioning of the system to adapt it for immediate start-stop operation, is herein considered as an activation of the recording system; however, not until the clutch is closed is the system considered as being in operation. Furthermore, closing of the on-off master switch 36 to make power available to the system, anda-l-so typically to energize the amplifier 3031, is herein considered as placing the system on stand-by for ready use.

Connected in parallel with the motor 14 is a primary of a voltage step-down transformer 41, the secondary of. which is connected to a signaling circuit 42 for the recording system. Thus, the signaling circuit is energized whenever. the recording system is in actuated condition.

The dictators. stations 11a, llband 110 may he identical, wherefore a description. of station 1111 will sufiiceforall three. Elements of. each of the stations are given reference numbers with the suffix letter of the respective station The station 11a has a handset 43a of the usual telephone variety comprising, as transducer elements, a carbonbutton microphone 44a and a receiver 45a. These transducer elements are connectable to a branch 25a of the communication circuit 25 through a double-pole onoif station switch 46a which is biased closed as by a spring 470 but which is normally held open by Weight of the handset, when the handset is on its support, acting as through an extension 48a of one pole of the switch. When the station switch is closed responsive to removing the handset from its support, the branch communication circuit 25a is completed through. a resistor 49a to establish the lower current level aforementioned for operating the relay 32 to activate the machine; also, the receiver is then connected to the branch communication circuit 25a through a blocking condenser 56a. and. resistor 51a. The carbon button microphone 44a is connectable through a manual switch 52a in parallel relation to the resistor 49a, and. when. so connected the current level in. the communication circuitisraised to-normal value to operate also the relay 33 toclose the clutch. The manual switch 52a serves therefore as a start-stop control of record rotation for the machine.

The signal circuit 42, like the communication circuit 25, has a branch 42a leading to the dictators station 11a. At the dictators station this branch signaling circuit serially includes a signal lamp 53a for producing a busy signal whenever the recording system is in activated condition. Since each dictators station has such a signal lamp, a busy signal is given at each dictators station whenever the system is in activated condition.

The record-reproduce change-over switch 27 is part of a relay 54 connected by a line 55 between the positive side of the communication circuit and one side of the signal circuit 42. The circuit of this relay is completed at station Ila by a manual switch 56a connected between the negative side of the branch communication circuit 25a and the side of the branch signal circuit 42a corresponding to the stated one side of the signal circuit 42. Whenever the manual switch 56:: is closed, the relay 54 is connected across the D.-C. power supply of the communication circuit to throw the switch 27 from its normal record position, shown in the figure, into a reproduce position.

As so far described it will be apparent that operation of the recording system from any dictators" station will be as follows: The attendant will close the master switch 36 to place the system on stand-by for ready use,-

and will place a record on the turntable and lower the recording and reproducing devices onto the record. Whenever a dictator wants to start dictation, say at station 11a, he picks up his handset to close the station switch 46a and cause the relay 32 to operate and start the motor 14 and also to supply current to the busy signal lamps at all stations. Upon next closing the startstop switch 52a, record rotation is started to cause dictation spoken into the microphone 44a to be recorded on the record by the recording device 22. If the dictator wishes to listen back to the last few words or sentence of his dictation, he will close the switch 56a to operate the change-over switch 27 to reproduce position and will then close the start-stop switch 52a to start record rotation.

It will be observed that whenever the machine is in operation the carriage drive means will be actuated by the turntable through the gearing 20 and lead screw 19 to produce a progressive continuous traveling movement of the translating devices across the record, with the re sult that they scan a spiral path on the record from the outermost point to the innermost point of the usable record surface. Each record is preferably provided with sufficient recordable space to accommodate several, typically three or four, average dictation periods. When the carriage 17 passes a point in its advance travel whereat the recording device enters into an end zone containing, for example, only sufiicient recordable space for one average dictation period, an abutment or arm 17a thereof closes a control device, preferably a switch 57 herein re ferred to as theintermediate end switch. This intermediate end switch is connected in aline 58 itself connected across the power source 37 through various switches. Starting with the upper terminal of this power source, these switche's comprise the master switch 36, an auxiliary master switch hereinafter described, a switch 59 operable by the lever 24 through a coupling 60, diagrammatically shown, to cause the switch to be closed only when the recording device 22 and/or reproducing device 23 is engaged with the record, the interirie'diate end switch 57, and a switch 61 of the relay 32 biased closed but held open whenever the relay is operated; additionally, the line 58 serially includes device 62 which may itself be a con trolling element such as a relay but which is shown as a sound alarm or buzzer located at the attendants station. Of the foregoing switches in line 58, numbers 36, 75 and 59 are closed but switch 61- is open during'no'rnial use of the machine. Thus, although the intermediate end switch 57 is moved to closed position as -a dictator record's jdictation into the end zone, this closure of the switch 57 has no immediate effect because the switch 61 in series with the'intermediate end switch is held open so-long as the recording system is in activated condition. However, upon the dictator returning his handset onto its support to mark termination of a dictation period, the switch 61 is closed to complete the circuit for the buzzer 62 so that an alarm is given to apprise the attendant or secretary to change the record on the turntable and to transcribe the recorded matter on the record that is removed from the machine.

The above warning system has not only the major advantage of eliminating the need for a second dictating machine, and for the complicated selecting and switching apparatus which a second machine would require, but also it has the advantage that as soon as a dictation period is terminated in the end zone the secretary is signaled to transcribe the recorded dictation and to return the typewritten copies thereof to the dictator for his signature. Thus, the above warning system serves to expedite transcription-return service. However, in the system as so far described, the transcription-return service rate is variable, depending on the dictation load on the system. For instance, if there is a slack period during which the dictation load is insuflicient to cause the recordation of dictation to proceed into the end zone within a considerable time period, any early dictated matter may rest on the record for a long time before the secretary is signaled to change the record and transcribe the recorded matter. This delay in transcription-return service is particularly undesirable whenever expedition of the recorded matter to the addressee is urgent. Heretofore, in such urgent cases, the secretary has been advised to remove the record before dictation has recorded into the end zone if it appears that the matter has been on the machine for an unusually long time. Such transcription-return service is, however, not very satisfactory because it is dependent on the memory of the secretary.

In order to assure transcription-return service at regular intervals, the present invention contemplates the provision of a timing switch which can be set to cause the secretary to be signaled at a present time regardless ofthe positioning of the recording device on the record, but not while the machine is in activated condition. The invention is implemented merely by connecting such timing switch in parallel with the intermediate end switch, without changing any of the circuitry or mechanism already embodied in the system. Such timing switch, generally referred to as 64, is shown diagrammatically in the accompanying figure as comprising an operating mechanism 65 and a switch 66 having one element connected to the line 58 and a second element connected by a lead wire 67 to the second corresponding element of the intermediate end switch. The timing mechanism is preferably electrically operated and is therefore connected by an energizing circuit 68 to the A.-C. power source 37; however, in this energizing circuit there is a switch 69 for connecting the timing mechanism to another point of power supply in the system as will hereinafter appear. The timing mechanism is settable as by a knob 70 according to registration between a pointer and dial 71, and will mark off time continuously so long as energized to close the switch 66 when the elapsed time of energization corresponds to the setting of the timing mechanism. Thus, it the secretary sets the timing switch one hour in advance when she changes the record, and if the dictation load is not suflicient to cause termination of the recordation in the end zone within that period, the system will be conditioned on expiration of the hour to signal the secretary. This time signaling is not, however, of an independent character such as would be achieved by a time controlled alarm independent of the system, but is dependent on whether or not the machine is in use upon expiration of the hours. For example, if the machine is in use on expiration of the hour,

sounding of the buzzer 62 is delayed by the switch 6i; notwithstanding the closing of the switch 66, until the dictator terminates using the machine by returning his handset onto its support.

The control of the switch 59 by the record-reproduce lever 24 is for the purpose of shutting off the buzzer as soon as the translating devices are raised to enable a change of record. Of course, any element operated incidental to a change of record may serve as the controlling or operating element for the switch 59. The lever 24 or other suitable such element as just mentioned, is also preferably connected to the timing switch mechanism 65 through a coupling 63 diagrammatically shown to cause automatic resetting of the timing switch mechanism each time a record is changed.

The present timing switch adjunct provides a flexibility of control over the recording system, according to its setting and mode of energization, which enables the system to be adapted for other specialized uses. For example, in applications wherein the recording system is to be used for recording telegrams, it is urgent that transcription-return service be initiated immediately at the conclusion of each dictation period, without ever letting the intermediate end switch come into play. The system is adapted for this application by making two ad-' justments: (l) the switch 69 is set to register with contact 69a connected by lead wire 72 to a point in the power circuit 39 beyond the switch 38 so that the timing switch mechanismis energized only while the machine is in an activated condition; and (2) the timing mechanism is set for a very short period, typically a few seconds and not more than a substantial fraction of a minute, so as to assure closure of the switch 66 during each dictation period. Thus, the timing mechanism remains idle until the machine is activated for use and is closed during each dictation period to cause the buzzer 62 to be activated immediately upon return of the handset onto its support at the end of each dictation period.

A third adaptation of the present recording system according to my invention, which also involves the timing switch 64, is for automatically shutting off the machine, or disconnecting it from its power supply, whenever a dictation period is ended in the end zone or is ended after a preset time of clay. The purpose of this mode of control is for adapting the recording system for limited use or night service after normal ofiice hours while'the machine is unattended. For this application, an additional relay 73 is provided which includes a single-pole double-throw switch 74 connected in its own power supply circuit and a single-pole single-throw switch 75 connected in the power circuit 39 and serving as a second on-off master switch for the recording system. The relay 73 is connectable in parallel with the buzzer 62 by a circuit 76 including a manual night switch 77 and the pole and one contact 74a of the switch 74 of this relay.

The night switch is provided for disabling the relay 73 and is normally in open position as shown. To set the machine for so-called night service, as at the close of office hours, the attendant closes the master switch 36 to place the machine on stand-by, closes the night switch 77 to render the relay 73 operable, sets the timing switch 64 to the latest hour the system is to be activatable for use, say 10 p. m., and verifies that the switch 69 is set to connect the timing switch mechanism directly across the power source 37 for continuous energization. A night lamp 78 is connected in parallel with the relay 73 and serves to indicate, as will appear, whether or not the record has been recorded into the end zone during night service use or whether the system has been shut off by the automatic timing switch.

It will appear that at any time until the setting of the timer switch, presumed above to be 10 p. m.. a dictator may pick up his handset and activate the machine for use in the normal way. If he should record into the end zone and then return the handset onto its suppor totei minate :his use of the .machine, the intermediate and si'rvitch will-be closed at the time such termination occurs, and the instant the-switch 61 is closed as an incident at so terminating the use of the machine, the normal ener' gizing circuit of the buzzer 62 is completed. '5 he night service relay 73, being in parallel with the buzzer, will then be energized to operate immediately the switches 74' and 75. Operation of switch 74 to its 12 contact completes a holding circuit for the night service relay 73 through the contact 74b, line 7% and the master switch 36 to keep the relay energized until either the night switch 77 or master switch 36 is opened. Operation of the switch 75disconnects power from all other components of the machine and stops the buzzer 62 almost the instant it is energized so that no alarm will be given while the machine is unattended. The night lamp 7% will stay on until either the night switch 77 or master switch 36 is opened and will serve to warn the attendant in the morning to open the night switch 77 to condition the machine for normal day use.

If one dictator should fail to record to the end zone and return his handset to terminate his use of the machine, the machine will become available in the normal way for a second dictator because neither the intermediate end switch nor the timing switch is yet closed. Recordation by the second'or subsequent dictator into the end zone, and his subsequent termination of use of the machine, will give rise to the sequence of operations described in the last preceding paragraph.

Similarly, if a dictator is using the machine but has not recorded into the end zone when the time setting of the timing switch is reached, the closure of the timing switch will assure the same sequence of operations above described when the dictator returns his handset to its support at the close of his dictation period-i. e., the relay 73 is operated and connected in its holding circuit with resultant continuous energization of the night lamp 7%, and the switch 75 is held open to shut off power to all other components of the machine until the night switch 77 or master switch 36 is next opened. Also, as in the foregoing, it the time corresponding to the setting of the timing switch isreached while the machine is not in use, the relay 73 is operated with the same set of results. Thus, by way of summary, when the machine is set for night service, it is available for use in the normal way prior to the time being reached corresponding to the setting of the timing switch,'but upon reaching such time while the machine is not in use or upon terminating a dictation period after such time is reached or while recordation is in the end zone, power to the machine is shut off instead of activating the buzzer as during day service. Thus, themachine is made available for limited use without necessitating a drain of stand-by power throughout the-night or, alternatively, without need for a night watchman to shut off the machine.

It is to be understood that the several novel features herein described may be used separately or in combination within the scope of my invention notwithstanding that they have all been embodied in the one integrated system shown in the accompanying drawing. It is to be further understood that the embodiment herein particularly shown and described is illustrative and not necessarily limitative of my invention, the scope of. which I endeavor to express according to the following claims.

I claim:

1. In aremotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcooperable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating znachine; apparatus at said dictators stationforope'rating said dictating machine to record dictation, said appartus including an on'ofl' station switch and a transducer; means controlled by'saicl station switch to enabler'e' cordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating device past a predetermined scanning point marking the beginning of a predetermined 're' cordable end zone on the record constituting a substantial portion of the entire recordable space on the record; a settable timing switch operated upon expiration of a preset time period; an electrically energizable warn ing device for said system; and circuit means for said warning device including said intermediate end switch and timing switch in parallel and including said station switch for causing energization of said control device upon return of said station switch to off position while either said intermediate end switch or said timing switch is in operated position.

2. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a'movable support onto andfrom which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcooperable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-olf station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is'in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating device past a predetermined scanning point marking the beginning of a predetermined recordable end zone on the record constituting a substantial portion of the entire recordable space on the record; a settable timing-switch operated upon "expiration of a preset time period; an electrically-energizable means operated in the control of said system; means operative upon return of said station switch to off position while said intermediate end switch is in operated position for causing energization of said energizable means; and means controlled by said station switch and timing switch at any positioning of said translating device on the record out of said end zone for causing energization of said energizablcmeans Whenever said station switch is in off position and said timing switch is simultaneously in said operated position.

3. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording sys tem comprising an attendants station including a dietating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcooperable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstatio'n wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating inachine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-off station switch and a transducerj means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; a settable timing switch including energizable timing means for operating the switch when the total time of energiz'ation of the timing means reaches a preset value; means for energizing said timing means; an electrically ehergiiable means opera-ted in the,' control of said system; and means'controlled bys-aidstation switch and said timing switch for causing energization of said energizable means when said timing switchis'operated and said station switch is simultaneously in off position.

4. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including :a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, 'a record-cooperable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-oti station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; a settable timing switch including energizable timing .means for operating the switch when the total time of energization of the timing means reaches a preset value; a warning device operable to apprise when a change of record is to be made on said support; means controlled by said station switch and said timing switch for causing operation of said warning device whenever said timing switch is operated and said station switch is simultaneously in otf position; an element on said machine operable incidental to conditioning said machine for operation on a newly mounted record on said support; and means to cause automatic reset of said timing switch by said element with each change of record on said support. 1

5. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating device, and drive means operatively to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-oif station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; a timing switch and timing mechanism eifective while in energized condition to pcrate said switch upon expiration of a preset time interval of energization; means to cause energization of said timing mechanism only while said station switch is in on position, said timing mechanism being set at such short time interval as to assure operation of said timing switch during use of said dictating machine following each movement of said, station switch to on position; and means controlled by said station switch and timing switch and elfective upon each return of said station switch to o position for producing a signal to warnwhen a change of record on said support is needed.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 including means to etfect resetting of said timing switch with each change of record on said support.

7. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recordingsystem comprising an attend-ants station including a dictating machine having amovable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating device, and drive means operative to pro duce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictator's station foroperating saidl' dictatingmachine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-olf station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; a master switch for said system closable to place the system on stand-by for ready use; means operative on movement of said station switch toon position while the system is on stand-by for activating said dictating machine for use; a timing switch including mechanism effective while in an energized condition to operate said timing switch upon expiration of a preset time interval of energization; means to cause energization of said timing mechanism only while said dictating machine is activated; and means controlled by said timing switch and station switch to effect a control operation on said system upon return of said station switch'to o1 position while said timing switch is operated.

8. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-coop erable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for con necting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-off station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; a settable timing switch including energizable means effective while in energized condition to cause operation of said switch at expiration of a preset time period of energization; means for causing energization of said timing means; a. power circuit for said system; a relay for opening said power circuit; means for rendering said relay operable and inoperable; and means rendered elfective by said timing switch upon said relay being operable and said station switch being in oflfposition for operating the relay to disconnect the recording system from its power sourceafter a time interval according to the setting of said timing switch.

9. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperable translating device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said rec ord support and translating device for scanning a sup ported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus in cluding an on-otf station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating device past a predetermined scanning point marking the beginning of a predetermined end zone. of recordable space on the record; a relay for said system operable to disconnect the-same from its 'power supply; and means controlled by said station and intermediate end switchesf'or disconnecting said system from its power supply upon return of said station switch to oflf position while said translating device is in said end zone.

10. Ina remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including adictating ma in -.ha sm vab e. upp r onto .andsfrom,;,which.

arse-ecs- 1 1 a reeord-may-be1nounted and removed, 'reco'r'd-'cooperable translatin'g device, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movement between said recordsupport and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-otf station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and translating device past a predetermined scanning point marking the beginning of a predetermined end zone of recordable space on the record; a settable switch including energizable means eifective While energized to close said switch at the expiration of a'preset time interval of energization; a relay for said system operable to disconnect said systern from its power supply; and circuit means to cause relay to be operated when said station switch is in ofl? position and concurrently one or both of'said timing and intermediate end switches are in operated positions.

11. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcooperable translating device, and drive means operative to'produce a relative advance movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for connccting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including an on-oii station switch and a transducer; means controlled by said station switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in on position; an intermediate end switch operated by said machine in response to relative advance movement between said record support and transla'ting devicepast a predetermined scanning point marking the beginning of a predetermined end Zone of recordable spacc on the record; a setta'ble timing switch including energizable means effective while energized to close said switch at the expiration of a preset time interval of energi'zation; signaling means for apprising when a change of record is needed on said support; means controlled by said station switch and by said timing switch and intermediate end switch respectively according to whichever is the first to be closed for operating said signaling means upon return of said station switch to 01f position while either said timing switch or intermediate end switch is closed; a relay operable to disable said signaling means and to shut ofi power to said system; means for rendering said relay operable and inoperable; and means eifectivewhen said relay is in operable condition for causing the relay to be operated upon return'of said station switch to off position while either said timing switch or intermediate end switch is closed.

[2.111 a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dietating machine having'a'movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcoo'perable translating device, and drive means operative to "produce a relative advance "movement between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination ofa remote dictators station and intcrstation wiring for connecting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at saiddictz'rtbrsstation for operating said dictating machineto' re rd dictatiomsaid apparatus-includingandn-ott s't-atfion s'witch and a 'trans'ducer;'"means controlled by said station 'switchto enable 'recordation'of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in "on position; a timing switch including timing mechanism for operating the switch; a control circuit for said timing mechanism including switch means for starting and'stopping the mechanism; an electricallyenergizable device operated in the control of said systern; and means-controlled by said station switch and said timing switch for causing energization of said-ener gizabledevice when said timing switch is operated and said station switch is simultaneously in oif position.

13. in a re'motely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising anat-tendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a record-cooperabl'c translating dcviceplaceable into record and neutral conditions, and drive means operative to produce a relative advance movementbctween said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination of a remote dictators s'tation'and interstation wiring for-connecting said dictators station to said dictatin 'machine; a transducer and control apparatus at. said dictators station for-operating said dictating machine torccord dictation, said control apparatus incl-udilg an on-oli station switch; means controlled by said station switch to enable rc'cordation of dictation from the dictators station only while the station switch is in position; a resetia'blg timing switch including energizable timinginechanism for operating said switch when the total time of energization of said mechanism reaches a preset value;means enabling control of energization of said timing mechanism at said dictators station; an electrically-energizabl'e device operated in the control of said system; means for controlling said energizable device by said timingswitch and said station switch; and means for changing the condition of said translating device and concurrently resetting said timing switch.

M. In a remotely-controlled dictation-recording system comprising an attendants station including a dictating machine having a movable support onto and from which a record may be mounted and removed, a recordcooperable translating device, and drive means operative toproduce a'relative ladvance movement-between said record support and translating device for scanning a supported record by said device: the combination'of a remote dictators station and interstation wiring for c011- nccting said dictators station to said dictating machine; apparatus at said dictators station for operating said dictating machine to record dictation, said apparatus including-an'on-ofl'station switch and a transducergmean's controlled 'by'said's'tation switch to enable recordation of dictation from the dictators station only'while the station switchis in on position; a timing'switch including energizable timing mechanism for operating said switch when the'tot'al time ofenergization of said mechanism reaches a preset value; me'ansto enable energization of said timing mechanism only while said station switch is 'inoi1 position; a 'signalin'g'device; and means controlled lay-said station switch'and timing mechanism for causingssaid signaling'devic'eto beenergized upon return of said station switch to at position while said timing switch is operated.

15. The combination set forth in claim 8 including means for maintaining 'said'timing switch continuously in energized condition so long as power is made available to said system.

References Cited inlthefile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,277;207 Chenoweth et a1 Mar.24,' 1942 2,2841306 -Sparling May 26, '1942 2,329,107 Clausen Sept. 7, 1943 2333135 Clausen ..Nov.2, 1943 

